Round 4 gets under way this Saturday with some intriguing match ups. An in form but unlucky Wests team were last up losers to front-runners Collegians and come up against a fresh team in Port Kembla after The Blacks had the Round 3 bye. The match at Parrish Park should be a good indication for both team's chances early on in the competition.

A hardly seen Dapto team will play the surprising Helensburgh Tigers at Dapto Showground. The Tigers have made many stand up and look closely at the team with two surprising victories over Corrimal and University after getting flogged by Port Kembla in Round 1. Their last up victims, University, will have the bye in Round 4.

Wollongong have an uphill battle trying to get their season going against a strong Collegians outfit at Herb Clunas Oval. The Bulls have put in whole-hearted displays in their two games so far, but have not yet met a team with the fire power of Collegians who boast no less than five players with NRL experience.

The final game sees Corrimal hosting reigning premiers Thirroul on Sunday in a match which should be an interesting northern derby. No sensible punter would begrudge Thirroul the overwhelming favourites tag, however, Corrimal have improved out of sight this year, and led by Adam Kerr and the Tweddle brothers, the Cougars could give The Butchers a scare.

Apart from competition points up for grab, this is also the final chance for players to stake their claim for a representative berth. There seem to be a few contentious positions available, although we are sure selectors have already pencilled in a possible squad.

Perhaps the most open spots can be found in the halves. Aaron Beath, if available will be a strong contender for the five-eighth role, while Jason Ferris would have to be a leading applicant to fill in at half back. However, there are numerous others players around the league who may sway the minds of selectors with good performances this weekend.

Paul Crawford (Dapto) has showed some good form at half back, as has former NRL player Brendon Reeves (Wests). Given Reeve's history though, he may be considered for his more custom role of fullback. Jason Dorahy has been strong outside of Jason Ferris for Collegians, while we cannot forget The Blacks Mark Simon who, as leading point scorer, has had a stellar start to the season. Also thrown into the mix are Ben Sammut (Universty-Halfback) and the in form Ryan Smith (Helensburgh).

The custodian position at the back of the field has a few contenders in Matt Tope (Helensburgh), the evergreen Richard Turner (Collegians), Chris Potter (Thirroul) and the aforementioned Brendon Reeves.

Ben Linde (Thirroul) and the incumbent NSW Country hooker John Johnson (Port Kembla) should battle it out for the hooking role.

No doubt the Illawarra Divisional selectors have some difficult decisions to make after this round of football. Given the strength of the league this season and the numerous players available for the vacant positions, perhaps this round should have been played over three days instead of the two days scheduled. Dapto may have been able to play their match on Friday night under lights, allowing selectors to ALL view at least three competition games.

mightyblacks.com.au has come up with a possible team. This team has in no way had any input from the Illawarra League or Illawarra clubs. The team includes some contentious calls -OBVIOUSLY - but with good reason.

1. Brendon Reeves (Wests) - He is accustomed to the fullback role and has done nothing to suggest that he is not in form at this time of the year. His experience in the role would be invaluable to the side.
2. Matt Tope (Helensburgh) - Matt has been in great form for Helensburgh at fullback, however, we can not go past Reeves for this position. He could fill the wing position well.
3. Fuad Suljkanovic (Thirroul) - An obvious choice if fit. Perhaps even the first person to be picked. Strong in attack and sound in defence, fast and good on his feet, arguably even the best three-quarter in the Illawarra league.
4. Adam Blake (Dapto) - His form through the Country Cup and early on this season has been tremendous. Goal kicking adds an extra dimension to the side.
5. Adam Luchetti (Wests) - The Wests speedster has been prominent in the season openers. Displays blistering speed and would not let the selectors down.
6. Mark Simon (Port Kembla) - With Aaron Beath playing for the Dragons and unavailable for selection, the 2002 Illawarra League Player of the Year would have to be the front runner. Simon, while playing halfback for the Blacks, has played many games at Premier League level in this position, and would be considered here to allow Ferris to take the number 7 jersey.
7. Jason Ferris Collegians) - one of the main reasons for Collegians unbeaten start to the season. A handy goal kicker as well. This site was torn to leave Mark Simon out of the possible team, but would not be surprised if he gets in still.
8. Clint Hill (Port Kembla) - Could well be chosen as Port's best player in every game they have played so far this season. Strong with a high work rate, just the sort of guy you want leading the pack forward.
9. John Johnson (Port Kembla) - The current NSW Country hooker and Player of The Year. Has been rock solid with The Blacks and should be given the opportunity to continue his representative career.
10. Don Tweddle (Corrimal) - Big and powerful front rower who leads by example. Together with Clint Hill and John Johnson, could form the premier front row combination in the Country Championships.
11. Brendan Wall (University) - Free running backrower with good ball skills and sound defensive technique.
12. Andrew Bobbin (Port Kembla) - An on-field leader who would no doubt add direction to any pack. Leadership skills would be his strength, but always around when the hard yards need to be done.
13. Wade Forrester (Collegians) - Has had a solid start to the year with his new club and would add valuable experience to an already imposing pack.
14. Ben Couchman (Thirroul) - could have made our starting 13 if not for the current form of Don Tweddle and Clint Hill. Will have great impact off the bench.
15. Craig Simon (Port Kembla) - contrary to what some might think, this is not a "favouritism" selection. He has been strong at centre and can also fill in at five-eighth and lock giving him great versatility.
16. Nigel Daniels (Thirroul) - Ditto. Versatile and worth a spot on the bench.
17. Brendon Tunbridge (Dapto) - Maybe a bolter, but he has led Dapto well in the absence of David Bil and David Walsh. Strong up front in attack and defence.